As things currently stand right now in the college football coaching carousel, there are eight vacancies in need of being filled. One of the most attractive job on the market right now is the one found in Houston, which may be why it is already looking like the most exciting job search ongoing right now.
That’s because Lane Kiffin and Les Miles have now been officially thrown into the rumor mill discussions, which may or may not be an indication for the potential sky Houston is shooting for to replace Tom Herman as head coach.
Brett McMurphy of ESPN.com, citing his trustworthy sources (that’s not a joke; McMurphy is generally a pretty reliable reporter with stuff like this), says Miles has already been contacted by Houston about the opening in their football program.
McMurphy also reports Kiffin, now an offensive coordinator with Alabama, is a likely candidate for the job. Both would seem to be good quality hires, and a testament to how much the Houston program is investing in its future in the post-Herman era (which lasted all of two seasons).
“I think we have some interest in [Miles], and he has interest in us,” Houston board of regents chairman Tilman Fertitta said (when he was done throwing a flame torch on Texas and the Big 12). “I’m not saying he’s No. 5 on the list or No. 1 on the list. He’s just on the list.”
There is no doubt Miles is going to be a splashy hire by whatever school brings him back to the sideline after being canned by LSU earlier this season. He may be a bit quirky and his time management may leave something to be desired (as does his ability to develop a quarterback), but Miles brings with him instant credibility and a national championship ring, and you can’t teach that.
Kiffin is also going to be a popular name to follow. His track record as a head coach at multiple stops (Tennessee, USC, Oakland Raiders) is not great, but a few years away from that role and coaching under Nick Saban may be just what Kiffin needed to redeem himself. He may be ready to take on a program once again, if the right fit can be found.
Kiffin to Houston has been mentioned plenty of times before now, though, although in more of a pure speculative stance. I was hardly the first to think about it…
What do you guys think about Lane Kiffin as Houston's next head coach, assuming Tom Herman leaves for another job?
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) November 21, 2016
Houston may be in the Group of Five, but it is one of the top Group of Five programs there is. The school has invested what is needed to build the Houston program, which is shown by a new stadium and the level of play seen on the field the past two years (victories over Florida State, Oklahoma and Louisville….. and losses to Navy, Memphis and SMU…).
The only job currently open that is going to be more attractive may be the new vacancy in Oregon, but Houston is still light years ahead of the other Group of Five jobs and may be ahead of Purdue… and Baylor. Given how much Houston wants their program to continue to thrive even after being left stranded by the Big 12, there is no question the school will make a serious push for a coach like Miles or Kiffin.
https://twitter.com/a1_alcoholic/status/804374208415268864
Between the two, Kiffin may be the better choice. Houston needs offense and Kiffin’s more likely to deliver that. But Miles may be more content to stick around at Houston longer than Kiffin may if things go well. Miles wants to win, and he can do that to a certain degree at Houston, just not at the national championship level Miles may be looking for.
Either coach would be fine for Houston, if they are truly interested in the job.
[ESPN]
